Georgia 4-H is celebrating National 4-H Week and highlighting youth excellence and leadership October 6-12.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension reaches young people from all backgrounds and communities. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H engages hundreds of thousands of students each year, typically in fourth through 12th grades.

“Beyond Ready” is the 2024 National 4-H Week Theme. Current 4-H’ers will join alumni, parents, faculty, staff, volunteers, and supporters in sharing how 4-H has prepared them to be engaged members of their families and communities.

Young people will play a key role in creating a more promising future. Georgia 4-H helps members find their spark and discover belonging, empowering youth to thrive and develop life skills through high-quality programming.

Leadership is a focal point of the 4-H positive youth development model. Elected by their peers, the Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors provides student leadership to the organization. The 2024-2025 Board is led by Kingston Ryals, President, an 11^th grade 4-H’er from Toombs County. He is assisted by Vice President Mia Burnett of Mitchell County, State Representative Esteban Contreras of Pulaski County, State Representative Kaleb Green of Dooly County, State Representative Agatha Grimes of Candler County, Northeast District Representative Carolyn Thomas of Putnam County, Northwest District Representative William Parrish of Gordon County, Southeast District Representative Yasmin Rios of Emanuel County, and Southwest District Representative Nandini Patel of Ben Hill County.

Georgia 4-H has roots in agriculture, originating with the 1905 Newton County Corn Club for Boys. The program now has additional branches in science, technology, healthy living and civic engagement, attracting students from all areas of interest and engaging youth from the most urban to the most rural areas. A four-leaf clover is the official emblem of 4-H; the “H” in each leaf of the 4-H clover emblem represents head, heart, hands, and health.

Students perform community service, conduct research, compile portfolios of their accomplishments and learn public speaking skills through oral presentations during 4-H Project Achievement. Additional 4-H programming includes livestock projects, judging teams, ambassador programs, performing arts, safe and healthy cooking, Project S.A.F.E., and countless other opportunities for learning and growth.

Summer camp provides life-changing experiences for thousands of Georgia youth every year. Georgia 4-H also offers a robust environmental education program at each of the 4-H centers, providing school groups residential and day-learning opportunities that are aligned with current state educational standards.

“We celebrate the great work of 4-H every week, but it’s particularly special to highlight our impacts during National 4-H Week,” said Melanie Biersmith, Georgia 4-H state leader. “The 4-H leaders, including faculty, staff and volunteers across Georgia, are creating and producing experiences and opportunities for youth to thrive.”

Georgia 4-H expands horizons for its members and encourages them to be productive citizens in the world around them. National 4-H Week is a collective opportunity to recognize all the ways that 4-H’ers are living out the organizational motto “to make the best better.”

For more information about how to join, volunteer or support Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.